Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W204)

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W204) is a range of compact executive cars which were produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz from 2007 (as a 2008 model) to 2014. It was the successor to the W203 and was eventually replaced by the W205 in 2014, though W204 coupes were still produced for the 2015 model year. The W204 was produced in sedan (saloon), station wagon (estate), and coupé versions. The coupé was released in 2011 alongside the facelifted W204 sedan and station wagon. The majority of C-Class versions have rear wheel drive (RWD) but some models are available with all-wheel drive (AWD). The Mercedes E-Class coupe (C207) also uses the W204 platform.[4]

Early models include the C 200 Kompressor, the C 230, the C 280, the C 350, the C 220 CDI, and the C 320 CDI. The C 180 Kompressor, C 230, and C 200 CDI were available at the beginning of August 2007.[5] Unlike the previous generations, the W204 station wagon was not sold in North America.[6]

The W204 experienced enormous success in the market. It is the second best-selling compact executive car in Canada and the United States, after the E90BMW 3 Series.[7] and is the most popular mid-priced sedan in Mexico.[8] In 2012, the W204 C-Class was featured in the Top 10 Best Selling Cars in Britain with over 37,261 sales, a first for Mercedes-Benz, although just behind its rival, the BMW 3 Series at 44,521 sales.[9] Mercedes-Benz sold over 2.4 million W204 vehicles worldwide, and it was the brand's best selling vehicle.[10]

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In the summer of 2003, the development of the W204 C-Class involved the use of a "digital prototype", which put a 2.1 terabyte digital replica of the car through a 15 million mile road course. This is an industry first which allowed for crash testing and more, before a physical prototype was constructed. The design of W204 was selected in 2003 and German design patents were first filed on 9 September 2004, showcasing a W204 fiberglass design model.[11]

DaimlerChrysler introduced a new generation of the C-Class on 18 January 2007[12] and displayed it at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show. Sales started in late March 2007 in almost all European countries. The W204 had an extended wheelbase and tracks, a stiffer bodyshell and a design inspired by the W221 S-Class and some hints from the C219 CLS-Class.

In general the W204 C-Class has four trim and equipment levels: Classic, Elegance, Avantgarde, and AMG. The Classic is the base trim found only on the smaller four-cylinder engine models and includes Brighton cloth seats with ARTICO leather (vinyl) as an option. The Elegance has ARTICO leather upholstery as standard with real leather as an option. The Avantgarde has Liverpool fabric/ARTICO leather seats with real leather as an option. The Classic and Elegance lines retain the traditional Mercedes-Benz radiator grille, with a vertical three-point star hood emblem, and are designed to appeal to traditional luxury car buyers. The Avantgarde and AMG have a similar grille to the Mercedes sport coupe, with three horizontal bars and a large centre-mounted star. These models have additional equipment including a three-spoke steering wheel, AMG bodykit, lower and stiffer sport suspension, upgraded brake piston calipers, and larger alloy wheels. They are designed to position the C-Class in the sports sedan sector. Unlike previous generations of the C-Class, and other contemporary Mercedes sedans which stayed with the traditional grille and hood ornament, the W204's advertising predominantly features the sport grille and AMG bodykit, especially in Canada and the United States.

Most of the lineup consists of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, there is also a 3.5-litre V6 petrol and 3.0-litre V6 diesel, and the 6.2-litre V8 petrol for the C63 AMG.[13]

In the United Kingdom, the Classic is known as the SE, while the Avantgarde is known as the Sport.

In the United States, the Elegance trim is on the C300 Luxury with an option for 4MATIC, while the Avantgarde is on the C300 Sport (only US market C-Class with available manual, RWD with 4MATIC option) and C350 Sport (RWD only). There is no Classic/SE trim, no four-cylinder engines, and no station wagon. Both lines have an additional amber light in front of the front wheel well.[clarification needed]

Only the AMG trim is available in Canada and the Elegance/Luxury and Avantgarde/Sport trim names are not used. There is no Classic/SE trim, no four-cylinder engines, and no station wagon. The base C230 (renamed the C250 from 2010 model year) is exclusive to the Canadian market and is the only model that has amenities similar to the Elegance/Luxury trim with the traditional grille and three-point star hood ornament. The other C-Class models (C300, C350, C63) all have the AMG bodykit and sport grille like the Avantgarde/Sport, and these are optional on the C230 via an $800 Sport Package (which rises to $1200 for the 2011 model year due to the new LED fog lights). All models, except for C63 AMG, are available in both RWD and 4MATIC.[14][15]

For the 2008–2011 model year vehicles, the middle of the dashboard has a sliding panel that reveals the color LCD screen, which displays radio and other vehicle secondary functions when the car is in operation. C-Class cars that have the COMAND APS with navigation receive a larger TFT screen (7-inch), which retracts to allow the panel to cover it when the vehicle shuts down.[16][17][18] The 2012 model year facelift changes the interior layout considerably, as it removes the retractable cover and replaces it with a fixed screen connecting into the instrument cluster, making it similar to the E-Class and GLK-Class.

The 2010 models of the C-Class received a new style of turn signals on the side mirrors. For 2011 model year onwards, the bumper fog lamps in the AMG bodykit have been replaced by LED lights, except for the C63 AMG which retains its unique bumper.

There is a special system exclusive to this class, named 'Agility control' package, which through its unique concept provides drivers with excellent agility and ride quality. It achieves this feat through a hydro-mechanical set up, which constantly analyzes road conditions and driving 'habits', then it adjusts damper & suspension settings accordingly to provide the driver the best possible balance between ride comfort and agility. Buyers can opt for 'Advanced agility control' package that offers the 'sport' mode button.

The C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition was unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, and the European model went on sale for €40,638.50 (including VAT).[35] It is a limited (5000 units) version of C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY saloon with AVANTGARDE equipment line. It includes 16-inch light-alloy wheels with 205/55 R16 tyres, and no-cost optional 16-inch 7-spoke wheel with 205/55 R16 tyres and 17-inch light-alloy 5-twin-spoke wheels with 225/45 R17 front and 245/40 R17 rear tyres; floor mats with the lettering "Prime Edition", aluminium (optional: bird's-eye maple) trim.[36] It has a 2.1 litre engine which produces 204 bhp and 500 nm of torque and does 0–100 in 7.1 seconds and has a top speed of 240kmph.

The C63 AMG is reportedly the first AMG-Mercedes designed from the ground up. Its AMG C-Class predecessors had essentially featured "bolt on" performance modifications, and according to Car and Driver these earlier AMG models suffered from "relentless understeer" and "heavy steering".[37] The C63 AMG has a revised front end suspension that is taken from the CLK 63 AMG Black Series.[38] The ESP can now be completely turned off, interfering only under heavy braking. The C63 AMG also has the quickest, most responsive steering of any Mercedes to date. AOL Autos described the new C63 as the best driver's car in the Mercedes lineup.[39]

The AMG 6.2L V8 engine, despite being detuned compared to other AMG offerings using the same powerplant, still provides the C63 AMG with more horsepower and torque over direct rivals such as the Audi RS4 and BMW M3.[37] The 7G-Tronic automatic transmission has AMG SpeedShift with three shift modes – Comfort, Sport and Manual – with the last one running with the converter locked allowing the driver to hold the engine at the rev limit. Car and Driver tested the car in their December 2007 issue and recorded a 0–60 mph time of 3.9 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.3 seconds at 116 mph (187 km/h).[40] This made the C63 AMG the quickest 4-door production sedan in the world at its debut.

In 2010, Mercedes-AMG introduced a new "AMG P31 Development Package" for an extra $6,050, which ups the power to 487 PS (358 kW; 480 hp) compared to 457 PS (336 kW; 451 hp) for the standard model. Top speed has increased to 280 km/h (174 mph). When equipped with this package, the C63 AMG features a revised ECU and crankshaft, as well as rotating assembly components from M159 engine found in the SLS AMG.[43][44]

The DR 520 is a limited (20 units) edition of C 63 AMG with AMG Performance Package Plus for the UK market. Introduced by Mercedes Specialist Products Division, it includes increased engine power to 525 PS (386 kW; 518 hp) and 650 N⋅m (479 lb⋅ft) of torque. Priced £9,995 above the standard C 63 AMG price, making the DR 520 Saloon £62,430 and the Estate £63,680,[46][47] only three have been sold as of 2013.[48]

The W204 C-Class completed 24 million test kilometers, and was until 2009 the most tested Mercedes-Benz ever. However, 2009 also saw the launch of the W212 E-Class, which completed 36 million test kilometers.[49]

Since November 2009, the updated CGI engines replaced the kompressor engines, with the same output, more torque, and better fuel efficiency. The C 250 CGI, using an M271 engine with charged gasoline injection engine replaced the C 230 2.5 V6 engine, with same output but with more torque.

Versions of W204 are available with a choice of rear- and all-wheel drive (the AWD system is the fourth-generation 4MATIC system, not available in right-hand drive format), along with a variety of four and six-cylinder engines (and a 6.2-litre V8 in the C 63 AMG). 4MATIC denotes all wheel drive models.

For C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, automatic start/stop system is added in 2010.[57]

The 2007 Mercedes-Benz C Class was awarded Car of the Year in Australia by Wheels Magazine, edging out the Ford Mondeo and Mazda 2 for the award.[58] It was also awarded "Executive Car of the Year" by Top Gear Magazine for the 2007 Top Gear Awards as well as being awarded 2007–08 Japan's Import Car of the Year in late 2007 and again in late 2011 for 2011–12. The 2007 Mercedes-Benz C-Class was awarded 'Yellow Angel 2008' by ADAC,[59] and the C 63 AMG was awarded Europe Tuning Car of the Year 2008 by journalists of the UIGA, the Italian association of motoring journalists.[60]

During the 2007 sedan launch, Mercedes-Benz started the 'C-for Yourself' campaign developed by BBDO France, featuring online campaign with a new 360-degree soft configurator, a host and interactive films; A 30-/40-second television commercial with new Formula 1 world champion race car driver Fernando Alonso as brand ambassador. An 'Exclusive Driving Experience' campaign in Barcelona ( 1–3 April 2007) allows some 80 consumers from all over Europe to experience the C-Class in an especially attractive environment. Vacationers who stay at selected Robinson Club Resorts and Westin Hotels & Resorts facilities in Germany, Austria, Scotland, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece between May and September 2007 have opportunity to test-drive the new C-Class. Premium shopping malls attendants during April and May 2007 could also test drive the vehicles. The new C-Class vehicle also appeared in German Touring Car Masters series starting on 22 April 2007. Mercedes-Benz also started Mobile Special campaign that includes special mobile client software that can be called up either by text messaging (SMS) a number assigned to each country or directly from the Mercedes-Benz website in the participating markets. The Mobile Special also contains the dates of C-Class events and invitations to callers. C-Class Avantgarde model with the AMG package also appear in Second Life starting on 16 March 2007, where player can purchase the virtual model for 1,500 Linden Dollars or virtually test-drive it on a challenging track.[61]

As part of C-Class station wagon campaign, Mercedes-Benz launched print ad showing C-Class station wagon on a stage, flanked by a curtain and background scenery. A previously launched Mobile Special campaign was expanded to include the wagon. Mercedes-Benz also held test driving events between December 2007 and April 2008 in selected Robinson Club resorts, various vacation resorts in Fuerteventura and Turkey, Serfaus, Fiss, Ladis, and Ski Amadé (Austria). Between December 2007 and January 2008, spontaneous test driving events were also held in selected upscale shopping centers and malls in Germany.[62]

Since 2007, the W204 C-Class sedans were produced in Sindelfingen, Beijing, and East London, South Africa.[63] The W204 C-Class Estate production began at DaimlerChrysler in Bremen.[64] At the time of its market launch (mid-2007), 75,000 orders had been received for the W204 C-Class sedan.[65] The total sales of C-Class vehicles reached 261,500 in 2007.[59] In mid-2008, the C-Class vehicle sales exceeded 300,000 units.[66] In late 2008, the C-Class vehicle sales reached 500,000 units, with 440,000 sedans and 60,000 wagons. The 250,000th C-Class – an iridium silver metallic C 220 CDI sedan – was produced in Sindelfingen and delivered to a customer in Japan.[67] In mid-2010, the C-Class vehicle sales reached one million units, with 840,000 sedans and over 160,000 wagons. United States occupied 25 percent of total sales, followed by Germany and China.[68] C-Class Coupé production began in 2011 at Bremen plant.[69]

In December 2010, Mercedes released some photos and details of W204 C-Class facelift, with the vehicle officially unveiled at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show,[70] and later at the Auto Shanghai 2011.[71]

New features of the facelift model includes, engine start-stop system, 7G-TRONIC PLUS gearbox available for lower end models with revised gear ratios to improve fuel economy. There is also a minor revision of the exterior appearance, including LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, hood and bumpers. The interior has been significantly reworked to bring its arrangement and quality closer to the W212 E-Class and W221 S-Class. There is a high resolution screen on the dashboard which has visual functions similar to the S and CL Class models, and it also features the new Mercedes-Benz Comand APS system first seen on the W212 E-Class.

The multimedia system COMAND Online now provides internet access when car is stationary. Beginning in mid-2012, C-Class vehicles with COMAND Online also includes the new Mercedes-Benz emergency call system "eCall".[72]

All the engine variants are now classed as BlueEFFICIENCY units. All petrol engine models include direct injection. All models with automatic transmission, except C 300 CDI 4MATIC, include 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission. The C 350 received the new 3.5L V6 engine with a 60-degree vee-angle and direct injection. There was also a new entry-level C 250 which had a 1.8L turbocharged inline-4 with direct injection.

The 2012 North American models became available for order at the dealers starting September 2011.

The C 300 and C 300 4MATIC (3.0-litre V6) will retain their 90-degree vee-angle V6 engines and the 7G-tronic transmission, while the 6-speed manual transmission which was previously available for the rear-wheel drive 2008–2011 C 230/250 and C 300 has now been dropped in North American markets due to low sales. For the 2013 model year, the C300 received the new 60-degree vee-angle V6 engine, which shares the same displacement but is detuned from the 3.5L found in the 2012 C350. The C300's new 3.5L engine makes 248 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque, compared to 228 horsepower and 221 lb-ft from the old M272 3.0-litre.[76][77]

For the 2012 model year Canadian lineup, the C 250 RWD sedan with its turbo inline-4 (replacing the 2010–11 C 250 Canada-only model with a 2.5L V6 which was badged as the C 230 from 2008–09) was sold alongside the C 250 4MATIC (another Canada-only model with a 2.5L V6 which was badged as the C 230 4MATIC from 2008–09) since 4MATIC was not compatible with the turbo inline-4 engine.[78] For the 2013 model year, the sedan lineup was simplified considerably with the C250 turbo inline-4 RWD, C300 4MATIC, C 350 RWD, C 350 4MATIC, and C63 AMG.[79]

After the launch of the CLC in January 2008, development and design work began on a replacement. On 23 October 2008, a German design patent was filed for a conventional two-door coupe of the W204.[83][84] C-Class Coupé was unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.[85] An interesting fact to note since this is the first real C-Class coupe (not a shortened version like the SportCoupe and CLC-Class), it is fundamentally very similar to the C207 E-Class Coupe of which itself is based on C-Class underpinnings, just like the CLK-Class it replaced.

European models went on sale in June 2011, which included C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY, C 250 BlueEFFICIENCY, C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY, C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY.[86] US models went on sale in September 2011, which included C 250, C 350, and C 63 AMG.[87] In 2012, the 2013 C 200 BlueEFFICIENCY went on sale.[72]

Sales of Saloon and Estate models began in July 2011.[89] Coupé models went on sale in July 2011.[90] Japan versions of Saloon, Estate, Coupé went on sale on mid-2011.[91] Taiwan version of C63 Coupé went on sale in limited quantity (10 units).[92]

The vehicle went on sale in January 2012 for 115,430 euros (incl. 19% VAT).[94] China and US models went on sale in March 2012.[95] Sales of Japan version began in October 2011 in limited quantities (50 units), with delivery began in 2012 spring.[96] Mercedes wanted to build only 650 units, but after the success, they built 800 units.

C 63 AMG "Edition 507" was unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, with release in April 2013 (June 2013 for the Germany market).[102] The US models are sold as 2014 model year vehicles in Saloon and Coupé bodies, replacing the AMG Development Package. It also includes voucher for a driver training session at the AMG Driving Academy.[103]

As part of the 2011 model year launch campaign, Two 45 and 30-second TV advertisements were made, which take a humorous and cinematographic approach to the C-Class Saloon and Estate models, focusing in particular on the innovative ATTENTION ASSIST system, which detects and provides early warning of the onset of driver drowsiness. The 20-second pre-roll titled 'Souvenir' takes an enjoyable approach to the C-Class Estate's 1,500-litre load capacity. Printed ad features C-Class photographed against an urban backdrop, with the 'living city look' highlights the sportiness and dynamic qualities of the vehicles.[106]

As part of the C-Class Coupé campaign, an interactive web video titled 'Drive & Seek' was released on March 2011, featuring the theft of a work of art, a car chase starring the new C-Class Coupé and the hero agents, who rely on the help of the user, who must stay focused and make split-second decisions in order to capture the thieves and return the painting to its rightful owner. Four short films highlight the C-Class Coupé's top features in terms of agility, design, safety and comfort. The web special was accompanied by cinema-poster-style ads and posters. Print ad campaign started on 11 May, designed to show off the sporty and dynamic qualities and sleek design of the new C-Class Coupé. Three different ad images show the vehicle with a high-gloss finish in palladium silver on a disused air field in Jerez de la Fontera, Spain, where parts of the web thriller were also shot. In the bright midday sun, the Coupé comes across as a shining jewel. Messages such as "More style per hour, "Awe. Inspiring" or "Adrenaline accelerator included" accentuate the vehicle's modern image. The two 45- and 30-second cinema ads also take a humorous approach to the campaign slogan "More glances per hour", which was released on 19 May 2011 serving as sequel to the Drive & Seek, linking back to the bank robbery featured in the film.[107]

A behind the scene video titled Making of C 63 AMG Coupe Fotoshooting was released by Mercedes AMG, featuring C63 AMG Coupe and a Ducati 848 in matching white.[108]